Response to CIPA Decision
The California Library Association is disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). CLA believes all Californians are entitled to free and open access to information. The flawed filtering technology available to libraries block access to a tremendous amount of material that does not fall within CIPA's prohibitions. It hurts the millions of Americans who rely on public libraries for internet access.
California public libraries already have adopted policies regarding use of the internet by minors. These policies were developed locally and reflect community concern. Should California libraries chose to accept federal funds for E-Rate or LSTA funds for internet connectivity, local control is lost.
CLA will work to educate its member libraries about this law and about filtering software so that libraries can make an informed decision to whether or not to accept federal funding.